Cyber Threat Intelligence Seminar: Bridging Academia and Industry
By Steve Neumann, Contributing Writer
October 16, 2024
In an era where sensitive information is increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. A recent Cyber Threat Intelligence Seminar held at the University of New Haven brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including a local financial institution, the North Haven Police Department, and a cybersecurity expert from the state of Connecticut. This event aimed to foster dialogue and collaboration among graduate students and professionals in the field, highlighting the critical role of cybersecurity in protecting personal and organizational data.
The Growing Importance of Cybersecurity
Organizations and individuals today handle vast amounts of sensitive information, from personal health data to financial records and proprietary business information. The rise of digital networks has made cybersecurity essential to safeguard against a myriad of threats that can disrupt personal lives, businesses, and society at large. As our lives become more interconnected through technology, the need for robust cybersecurity measures will only continue to grow.
Recognizing this urgent need, the Connecticut Institute of Technology (CIT) at the University of New Haven, in collaboration with American Eagle Financial Credit Union, hosted the Cyber Threat Intelligence seminar. This event was designed for Greater New Haven residents and students eager to deepen their understanding of cybersecurity, particularly in the context of banking, identity, and credit protection.
A Panel of Experts
The seminar featured a three-person panel comprising industry experts and scholars. Samantha Konsewicz, a fraud analyst in enterprise risk management at American Eagle Financial Credit Union, and Paulius Laukaitis, a detective with the North Haven Police Department, shared their insights on the challenges and strategies in combating cyber threats. The panel was moderated by Harris Weisman, MBA, coordinator of the University’s M.S. in Cyber Risk Management program.
The keynote address was delivered by David Palmbach, a distinguished alumnus of UNewHaven, who currently serves as a cybersecurity advisor for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in Connecticut. His experience and expertise provided valuable context for the discussions that followed.
Facilitating Dialogue Among Stakeholders
Dr. Monique Golden, Ph.D., the CIT project and laboratory manager, played a pivotal role in organizing the seminar. She emphasized the importance of creating a platform for various representatives to share their experiences and challenges in the cybersecurity landscape. “The panel was to allow these different representatives to talk to one another about what they’re experiencing, what they are dealing with, how they deal with it, and when they need to communicate with each other,” Dr. Golden explained.
The panelists discussed the unique challenges they face in identifying and attributing cyber attacks to specific groups, as well as how they support the communities they serve. This dialogue not only highlighted the complexities of cybersecurity but also underscored the necessity of collaboration among different sectors.
A Hub for Cybersecurity Education
The University of New Haven is well-positioned to host such seminars, thanks to the CIT’s focus on interdisciplinary technology and emerging areas like AI cybersecurity. Dr. Golden noted, “We have some of the most talented students in cyber education here at the University of New Haven. Our goal was to put together an event that would educate and motivate some of that talent and energy to become the next generation of analysts, officers, and change-makers in this space.”
The seminar specifically addressed how cyber threat intelligence operates within the financial sector and the ways organizations like CISA, the FBI, and financial institutions manage security risks and threats. Dr. Golden remarked on the invigorating nature of the presentations, stating, “There are so many ways you can make an impact in this field.”
Engaging the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Professionals
Among the 33 attendees, the majority were graduate students enrolled in UNewHaven’s cybersecurity and networks master’s degree program. Dr. Golden highlighted the University’s commitment to cybersecurity education, noting that students are recipients of prestigious scholarships and grants, including a $4 million National Science Foundation grant to establish Connecticut’s first CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service program.
This program aims to cultivate the next generation of cybersecurity professionals ready to enter the government workforce and protect the nation from cyber threats. Additionally, UNewHaven students actively participate in competitions like the NSA Codebreaker Challenge, where they have achieved national recognition.
Looking Ahead
As the seminar concluded, Dr. Golden expressed optimism about the future of cybersecurity education and collaboration in Connecticut. “I think there’s a great opportunity for us to explore what possibilities UNewHaven and the Connecticut community can come up with together,” she said.
The Cyber Threat Intelligence Seminar not only served as an educational platform but also as a catalyst for fostering partnerships between academia and industry. As the landscape of cybersecurity continues to evolve, events like this are crucial for preparing the next generation of professionals to tackle the challenges ahead.